Column: After having cruised Alaska twice, I can't decide which was more fascinating and memorable – my time ashore exploring Alaska or the views afforded me from the deck of my comfortable cruise ship. Actually, I can't fathom going to Alaska without both components.

Technology start-up AskMeNow is aggressively seeking a foothold with business travelers for its innovative information-and-concierge service. The company delivers text-message answers to questions on any topic. It will begin offering the service to Avis customers next month.

The federal government added another $700 billion in debt in the last two years, and with the ongoing cost of war, hurricanes and the looming expense of Social Security and Medicare, there is more concern about the red ink than anytime since Ross Perot ran for president in 1992.

Cendant, the $20 billion-a-year company that owns the Orbitz travel website and several hotel and real estate brands, will split itself into four separate public companies, the company said Monday, reversing more than a decade of expansion through dozens of acquisitions.

Three-dollar gas is causing many business travelers and their employers to come up with new strategies to save money when driving on business. Companies are also formulating ways to combat the high cost of fueling rental cars.

XM Satellite Radio is sky-high now. On Tuesday just four years after it introduced its satellite radio service XM announced it has signed up its 5-millionth customer. XM Chief Executive Hugh Panero sat with USA TODAY's David Lieberman to discuss prospects for his company and satellite radio.